Are you aware of the amount of sodium in your diet? Most Americans consume too much sodium, which can have negative effects on health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made final changes to update the Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods, aiming to provide consumers with clearer information about the sodium content in the products they purchase.

It’s a common misconception that the majority of dietary sodium comes from table salt added during cooking or at the table. In reality, over 70% of dietary sodium comes from packaged and prepared foods. Excessive sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, a major contributor to stroke and heart disease.

To address this issue, the FDA is collaborating with the food industry to implement reasonable reductions in sodium levels across a wide range of foods. The goal is to make it easier for consumers to reduce their daily sodium intake. Despite the presence of sodium in many packaged foods, consumers can take steps to lower their sodium consumption by using the Nutrition Facts label as a guide.

How to Use the Nutrition Facts Label

Consumers can utilize the Nutrition Facts label to make informed decisions about their food choices. The label provides the Daily Value (DV) for sodium, which is set at less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day. By using the % Daily Value (%DV) as a tool, individuals can assess whether a serving of food is high or low in sodium and compare different products to select those with lower sodium content.

Here are some general guidelines for interpreting the %DV:

• A serving with 5% DV or less of sodium is considered low
• A serving with 20% DV or more of sodium is considered high

Consumers should also pay attention to the serving size and the number of servings they consume, as the nutrition information on the label is typically based on one serving of the food. By being mindful of these details, individuals can better manage their sodium intake.

Food Choices and Sodium Content

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40% of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from specific food categories, including deli meat sandwiches, pizza, burritos and tacos, soups, savory snacks (e.g., chips, crackers, popcorn), poultry, pasta mixed dishes, burgers, and egg dishes and omelets. It’s important to note that the sodium content can vary significantly within these food groups, so consumers should be vigilant in their choices.

By using the information provided on the Nutrition Facts label and being mindful of their food choices, consumers can take proactive steps to reduce their sodium intake and make healthier dietary decisions.